CLOGHER VALLEY .................................. 33

BANGOR ................................................ 8

Once again, Clogher Valley started slowly against a committed Bangor side, which competed vigorously for everything. They disrupted the lineout and forced Valley into mistakes as they tried to stamp their authority on the game.

In stark contrast to the second half against Coleraine, Valley could find no continuity and struggled to put phases together. In a disjointed opening quarter, the visitors proved that they weren't there to make up the numbers. Bangor took the lead when one of the Valley indiscretions was punished by their out half.

Slowly, though, there were glimpses starting to appear of the style of rugby that coach Kyle espouses. As the scrum began to take control, so too did Ryan Wilson. He started to make inroads into the Bangor defence with the result that the backs began to work their moves. A Wilson break released Ally Breen and Dunlop but the latter was tackled into touch.

On 32 minutes, a Bangor scrum was turned over and Falconer made the midfield break. Quick ruck ball was moved right to Dunlop, who showed the ball before sprinting through a tiny gap to score at the posts. Lyons added the points and Valley were up and running.

Straight from the kick off, Wilson gathered and made ground before passing to the try scorer Dunlop. He kicked ahead and in the sprint for the line was taken out illegally. Valley were awarded the penalty as the offender made his way to the sin bin.

Lyons' penalty sailed narrowly wide but the crowd could sense that there was more to come. A Falconer charge down and pick up so nearly sent Richmond in for a try but the ball went to ground.

On the stroke of half-time, Valley had a scrum outside the Bangor 22. Out half Lyons put a clever kick through behind the Bangor rush defence. Ally Breen sprinted through to hack over the line and claim the try. Lyons converted and Valley led 14–3 at half-time.

Conditions deteriorated as driving rain accompanied the strong wind. Bangor forced their way back into the game with an early unconverted try. Dunlop was yellow carded for an early tackle as Bangor enjoyed a period of pressure on the Valley line.

The home forwards began to re-assert themselves again and began to put some excellent phases together despite the foul conditions. Wilson turned over ball and sent scrum half Best away. He linked with Ally Breen and Richmond, who burst down the middle. Breen was again in support but was taken out with a high tackle. Valley ran the penalty and Robinson broke into the 22.

Valley were awarded a five metre scrum and pushed the Bangor pack over their own line. Just as Wilson was to claim the try, the Bangor wing forward came round and grabbed the ball preventing the try. The referee had no option but to award the penalty try. The conversion brought the score to 21–8 as the game entered the last quarter.

Skipper Henry Richmond was leading by example in the loose with some surging runs. The two athletic second rows, Sharkey and Robinson, were also to the fore as the Valley pack continued to hammer the Bangor line. Falconer was also taken out by a 'clothes line' tackle and the offender this time was sent to the 'bin'. A tap penalty was taken on by Falconer and Robinson. Quick ruck ball was moved left and superb hands saw Dunlop put Ally Breen in for his second try. The conversion was missed but Bangor were soon under the cosh again.

Falconer was again the instigator as the ball went through several phases before Dunlop made the telling break. Ally Breen was on hand to canter in for his third try. Lyons converted to make the final score 33–8.

After a slow start, Valley showed patience as they did the previous week against Coleraine. While the quality of the victory was not as good as last week, it is hard to be critical of a 33–8 win.

It is a sign of a good team when they perhaps don't perform to the best of their ability and still win. Equally, it can be difficult to keep up the high standards that coach Glen Kyle and the squad of players have set themselves. Two more league points to stay in contention at the top of Kukri Qualifying League One.

It's back to Junior Cup action next Saturday with a difficult visit to Ballynahinch. A large travelling support would be welcome.